Dispatch vs Self Dispatch (Which Makes More Money?)
One of the most debated questions among owner-operators: should you use a dispatch service or dispatch yourself? Both approaches have successful practitioners. Understanding the trade-offs helps you make the right choice for your situation.
The Self-Dispatch Approach
Self-dispatching means handling all load finding, rate negotiation, and broker communication yourself.
Self-Dispatch Pros
- Keep 100% of load revenue
- Complete control over which loads you take
- Build your own broker relationships
- Learn the business inside and out
- No dispatcher fees
Self-Dispatch Cons
- Time-consuming load searching
- Must develop negotiation skills
- Building broker relationships takes time
- Harder as a new authority
- Can't search while driving
The Dispatch Service Approach
Using a dispatch service means professionals handle load finding and negotiation while you focus on driving.
Dispatch Service Pros
- More time driving, less searching
- Access to established broker relationships
- Professional rate negotiation
- Help navigating new authority challenges
- Often better rates through volume
Dispatch Service Cons
- Percentage of revenue (typically 5-10%)
- Less direct control
- Must trust someone else's judgment
- Quality varies between services
- Some contracts are restrictive
The Money Question
Which approach makes more money? The honest answer: it depends.
- Self-dispatch works best when: You have strong negotiation skills, established broker relationships, and the time to manage your business while driving
- Dispatch services work best when: You're new to the industry, lack broker connections, or value your time more than the dispatcher percentage
Consider this: a dispatcher taking 7% but getting you 15% better rates and 20% less deadhead actually increases your net profit. The math depends on the specific dispatcher and your alternatives.
The New Authority Factor
For new authorities, the calculus often favors dispatch services because:
- Broker relationships take years to build from scratch
- New authorities face automatic rejection from many brokers
- Learning curve is steep—mistakes are expensive
- Time spent struggling to find loads is time not earning
Our new authority support program is designed specifically for carriers in this position—providing the relationships and expertise that compress years of learning into months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start with dispatch and switch to self-dispatch later?
Absolutely. Many carriers use dispatch services to get established, learn the industry, and build their own broker relationships, then transition to self-dispatch when ready.
What percentage do dispatch services typically charge?
Most charge 5-10% of load revenue. Lower isn't always better—a 5% dispatcher who gets poor rates costs you more than an 8% dispatcher who consistently finds better-paying freight.
How do I know if my dispatcher is doing a good job?
Track your revenue per mile, deadhead percentage, and how consistently you're booked. Compare to industry averages and your own research of available loads.
Disclaimer: Results vary based on carrier experience, equipment, lanes, and market conditions.
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